MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, PROBABLY > 10 TIMES IN PAST TWO MONTHS. AT LOW STEADY SPEED, SUCH AS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT, WHEN I LET UP ON GAS PEDAL, THE CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY. ONE EXPECTS THE IMMEDIATE, SLIGHT FEELING OF DECELERATION ON THE BODY, BUT IT DOESN'T COME RIGHT AWAY. USUALLY IT LASTS ABOUT ONE SECOND. IT HAS LASTED UP TO THREE SECONDS. RECENTLY THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STEADIL…
2012 FIAT 500 engine problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE THAT OWNS A 2012 IT WON'T HOLD OIL PRESSURE
I HAD BEEN SMELLING BURNING OIL FROM MY CAR WHILE PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF MONTHS AFTER MY LATEST OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I DID NOT SEE ANY DRIPPING ON THE GROUND AND ASSUMED IT WAS A SLOPPY OIL CHANGE WITH RESIDUAL OIL BURNING AWAY IN THE ENGINE BAY. DURING A NORMAL OIL CHANGE AROUND 37,000 MILES THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE REAR MAIN SEAL ON MY FIAT 500 WENT OUT AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 FIAT 500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.